Former East Longmeadow selectman pleads guilty

Former East Longmeadow Selectman Jack Villamaino pleaded guilty to multiple charges related to a voter fraud scheme that took place before last year's statewide primary.

The former politician and his wife Courtney Llewellyn were both facing a number of charges in relation to the fraud case which involved changing hundreds of people's party affiliations from democrat to un-enrolled.

At the time of the offense Villamaino was a candidate in the Republican Primary election for 2nd Hampden District House seat.

"The conspiracy is very far reaching, it affects not only the people whose names had a party affiliation changed, that 280 some odd people, but it really effects the community as a whole your honor," said Hampden County District Attorney Mark Mastroianni.

During Monday's change in plea a few victims of the scandal came forward to read impact statements.

"I've always been proud to vote and now I question the process and wonder if and when this could happen again," said East Longmeadow resident Patricia Ryan.

Villamaino's father also addressed the court.

"When I learned of the charges I was dumbfounded. What he is charged with is completely out of character for my son. For the 35 years I have known, since his birth, I have never seen or become aware of any incidents in which he has shown any tendency to criminal behavior or cheating," said Enrico John Villamaino Jr.

The defense called Villamaino's actions a major error in judgment and pointed out how much embarrassment he as well as his family has already suffered.

"What we have before the court today was an ambitious, determined, intelligent young man who hoped to pursue a career in politics which is no longer feasible, rightly so," said Jeffrey Meehan.

Sentencing is set for Wednesday.

Prosecutors are asking Villamaino be sentenced to a total of one year in the house of corrections and a one-year probation sentence while the defense is asking for four months in jail.

Llewellyn has not changed her plea she is due back in court at the end of the month for a final pre-trial conference.